Dressing around freezing point
Short answer: Zero degrees is the sneakiest temperature. It feels mild, but the moisture in the air lets the cold in faster than dry frost does. Here is why that is, and how to dress for it.
Why zero is sneaky
Zero degrees does not look like much on the thermometer, so many people put on too little. It feels mild, but the cold often gets in faster than you expect. That comes from the moisture in the air, and it means the number on the thermometer does not tell the whole story of how cold you get.
Moisture carries heat away
At zero the air is damp, and damp air draws heat away from the skin much faster than dry air. It is the same principle that makes a wet garment feel colder than a dry one. The body loses heat without you noticing at once, and then you start to freeze even though it is not very cold.
Zero feels colder than minus five
At minus five the air is drier, and the cold feels drier and easier to put up with. That sounds backwards, but many people find a damp zero day more unpleasant than a clear day with a few degrees of frost. So the number alone is not enough when you choose what to wear.
A thin layer against the skin
Start with a thin long-sleeved layer against the skin that can move moisture away from the body. It keeps the skin dry, which is a big part of the job on a day at zero. See bamboo underwear for men as an easy first layer that fits close and adds no bulk.
Sweater and jacket
On top come a middle sweater and a jacket that shuts out the wind. Wind and moisture are a bad combination, because the wind takes the warm air and the moisture takes the rest. Choose a tight jacket you can unzip if you get warm. That way you can regulate without taking clothes off.
Moisture is the enemy, not the number
Moisture is what you have to deal with. Sweat under a tight jacket turns cold as soon as you stop, which is a common reason for freezing on a mild day. Choose layers that move moisture on, and avoid wearing so much that you sweat. If you are moving, dress a little lighter.
Feet first
At zero there is often water and slush on the ground. Dry feet matter more than an extra sweater, because wet feet cool the whole body. Choose socks that move moisture away and shoes that keep water out. See bamboo socks for men and bamboo long johns for the cold days.
The scarf
The neck is a place where heat disappears quickly, because it is often uncovered. A scarf closes the biggest air gap in your clothing and stops cold air blowing in at the collar. It does more than it seems, and it takes up almost no room in a bag if you do not need it.
Autumn is the hardest
Many people freeze more in autumn than in winter, even though it is warmer. The body has not got used to the cold yet, and that takes a couple of weeks. In that period zero degrees can feel harder than it does later. Wear a little extra at first, and dial down once the body has adjusted.
Frequently asked questions
Why do you freeze more in autumn
Because the body has not got used to the cold yet. That takes a couple of weeks. In that period zero degrees can feel colder than later in the winter, and that is perfectly normal.
Is a thick jacket enough
Not without a layer that moves moisture. Sweat under a tight jacket turns cold, so the innermost layer is just as important as the jacket, and it should keep the skin dry.
What about a scarf
It closes the biggest air gap in your clothing. It does more than it seems, and it is easy to take off if you get warm along the way.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
